At $16,179/yr net price, University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn $71,030/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $37,030/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,179 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,030/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$37,030/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,616/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,414/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,090/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,762/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,663/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $190,536 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $121,681 | $366,862 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,033 | $71,750 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $97,737 | $105,783 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $81,111 | $39,187 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,897 | $25,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,124 | |
| Public Health. | Master | $54,644 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $53,202 | $122,626 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
The Risk Factor
68.1% of students at University of Detroit Mercy graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Detroit Mercy delivers strong ROI for healthcare majors but weak returns for most other programs. The school's location in Detroit limits job market opportunities outside of healthcare and business sectors.
Dentistry programs offer strong earning potential, with graduates earning over $121,000 annually, though you'll carry substantial debt loads approaching $367,000. Nursing graduates earn $104,000 with more manageable debt at $71,750, making it the school's best overall financial bet. Allied health programs also perform well at nearly $98,000 in earnings.
Business administration graduates earn $81,111 with reasonable debt levels, but this represents mediocre returns given Detroit's limited corporate job market. Other majors show poor financial outcomes, with many graduates struggling to reach the median earnings figure in a challenging regional economy.
The school works financially if you're pursuing healthcare careers, particularly nursing or dental programs where Detroit's medical infrastructure provides solid job placement. Business majors should expect to relocate for better opportunities. Students considering liberal arts, education, or social sciences face significant financial risk given weak regional demand and limited earning potential.
Merit aid opportunities appear limited with only 25% of students receiving assistance. The relatively low net price of $16,179 makes the school accessible, but you need a clear career path in healthcare to justify enrollment. Students without strong academic records or healthcare career goals should look elsewhere for better financial prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Detroit Mercy worth the cost?
University of Detroit Mercy can be worth it if you're pursuing dentistry or nursing, which offer strong earning potential. For most other programs, the $71,030 median earnings after 10 years barely justify the investment compared to cheaper alternatives.
What programs at University of Detroit Mercy have the best ROI?
Dentistry programs lead with graduates earning over $190,000, followed by nursing at $104,000. Business and other programs show weaker returns with earnings around $81,000 or less.
How much debt do University of Detroit Mercy graduates typically have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable for dental and nursing graduates but could strain those in lower-paying fields. The relatively low net price of $16,179 helps keep debt reasonable.
Does University of Detroit Mercy have good job outcomes?
The 68% graduation rate is concerning and below national averages. While dental and nursing programs place well, the high acceptance rate of 90% and low SAT scores suggest academic standards may not prepare all students for competitive job markets.